OPEN

SECRET

Dubbed 'Britain's best kept beauty secret' Liz Earle and her team aim to become Britain's {worst} kept secret with the opening of a flagship store just off London's Sloane Square.  Annette Hanford lifts the lid

Having outgrown its London premises after only a year, it was fortuitous for botanical skincare company Liz Earle when a neighbouring premises in the Duke of York shopping area became available.

Even more fortunately the premises had previously been fitted out with treatment rooms and associated plumbing. The company, which has its headquarters on the Isle of Wight, leapt at the chance to revamp, refurbish and open its first treatment rooms along with spacious retail area.

"Everything we do is a response to what our customers ask for," says Liz (left). "They had been begging us for a long time to have salon treatments, to have somewhere where they could come and experience the whole Liz Earle skincare treat." 

Because Liz Earle offers predominantly home-use products, the brand's loyal following were missing out on the salon experience.

"We have worked really hard to bring together the best elements of our treatment range with 'magic hands' - this is what we call our therapists," says Liz. "As well as working with our award-winning products, we also wanted to bring elements that you can only achieve in the salon, so we use galvanic current, steam and vacuum for lymphatic drainage and extraction."

The company is actively recruiting and training therapists. "Everyone comes down to the island and spends time learning all parts of the business. They see everything from the greenhouse and factory to the wrapping and packing stages. It gives a real sense of the company and what's going on."

READ ON FOR MORE INFO 

A PASSION TO

INSPIRE

 Award-winning nail professional Clare Durtnall-Holland tells Annette Hanford about her passion for nails

Nails are Clare Durtnall-Holland's passion. A three-times winner of the Nail Professional of the Year category at The British Beauty & Spa Awards, she now enters the hall of fame. But rather than sitting back and basking in the glory, she intends to continue heightening the nail industry's profile, as well as inspiring and enthusing others.

Clare didn't become a successful nail artist overnight. After leaving college in 1992, and with only two nail enhancement attempts under her belt (all that was needed at the time), she wisely sought further education and training to hone her skills.

Since then, she has established and run her own East Sussex-based business Perfect Elegance (formerly Fantastic Fingertips), developing the business over 10 years.

"Initially working alone, I now have a team of five who, over the last two years, have exceeded all expectations," she says, adding that she plans to develop more staff during the next few months.

Clare has a three-stage skill level and price structure for her nail professionals:

* Nail artist: manicures, pedicures and nail enhancements on 'normal' nails to a good standard, demonstrating basic knowledge of nail technology

* Specialist nail artist: as above, but beginning to take on more challenging nails, ie, bitten, and demonstrating extensive knowledge

* Consultant nail artist: can work on all types of nails to a high standard and demonstrate thorough knowledge of all aspects of nail technology.

"After a month, I can gauge at which level their skills are, before mutually setting goals and targets to help move them onto the next level. I continually monitor and check practical skills, client care and theory knowledge," she says.

"I want to inspire and enthuse others to be bigger, better and different."

READ ON...

PARADISE

FOUND

When the sun, sea, and sand get too much, holidaymakers on Singapore's beautiful resort island of Sentosa swap them for solace, shade and spa at the Rasa Sentosa Resort. With Sentosa translating as 'place of tranquility',
Annette Hanford couldn't resist

The health club and spa at the Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore, opened its doors in December 2004, replacing the existing Essence Vale Spa. Modern and chic, it is in keeping with its Asian heritage and the high, five-star standards set by the Shangri-La group of hotels.

Set over two levels and decorated with light wood, illuminated bamboo panels, mirrors, and rich burgundy accents, the spa consists of three deluxe suites for couples (with private whirlpool and steam facilities); seven single treatment rooms (each with shower); and the Thai Pavilion, a private open-air massage area, overlooking a fish pond and scenic waterfall. Communal areas feature stone carvings on the walls and a series of water features.

Spa manager Jenny Tan says the decor is designed to mentally move guests to another level. "We play with lighting and have themed the colours to get the right mood and identity. It's crucial to get the right ambience.

"It is also a must to have fresh flowers - flowers in the waiting area, in the treatment rooms and in bowls under the couch face holes."

The spa boasts a comprehensive menu, offering a variety of 'him' and 'her' treatments, along with pampering spa-suite rituals created for couples, such as the two-hour 'In Harmony' and 'Romantic Journey' packages, or the extravagant five-hour Caviar Indulgence package which allows guests to experience the healing and rejuvenating properties of caviar for S$1,350 (£525).

TROPICAL GARDEN

Male and female locker rooms are equipped with a whirlpool and steam room, while a foot massage studio allows guests to enjoy a tropical garden view from a comfortable air-conditioned environment as they lounge in customised planter chairs and experience reflexology, manicure or pedicure treatments. 

Up to 14 treatments can be carried out simultaneously, and the hotel's corporate market means the spa is often running at full capacity. The spa can be hired for hen parties, team building exercises, while spa party packages - Indulgence, Rejuvenate, and Rest & Relax - are designed to cater for 20 to 28 people.

The packages give exclusive use of the spa facilities for up to four hours, including the whirlpool, steam room, lockers and shower facilities, along with a choice of treatments and massages. Light refreshments and tasty treats, created by the resort's chef, are also supplied. 

Although larger spas have since opened on the island and the vast Resorts World development is under way there, the Rasa's smaller, intimate setting, combined with its therapists' skills and good results provide a unique and popular offering. 

"Just like the rest of the hotel staff, each therapist and receptionist needs to do four hours' training every month where the department trainer imparts her knowledge, to ensure standards are maintained," says Jenny.

"We call this preventative maintenance and it acts as a constant reminder to keep standards high."

TOTAL RENOVATION

However, she realises that the industry is changing and she cannot afford to become complacent. "The demand for spa is growing, but I foresee it could become stagnant in the next couple of years if we don't diversify and expand our service offerings."

In preparation for this, the hotel is due to close for total renovation in 2010. This will include refurbishment and expansion of the spa.

FACT FILE
Rasa Sentosa Resort, Sentosa, Singapore
Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily
Skincare: Kerstin Florian
Staff: four full-time/four part-time, subject to demand
Clientele: holidaymakers, corporate and neighbouring hotel guests, 60:40 female to male ratio
Signature treatment: Rasa Touch - two hours, featuring body scrub, mud wrap, and aromatherapy massage incorporating Swedish strokes

SESSION NAIL TECHNICIAN ANDREA FULERTON DISCOVERS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

I took part in the Boots-sponsored '30 days of Fashion and Beauty' courtesy of Revlon, who I represent in the UK. Billed as the UK's biggest and most exciting style event, the 30 days saw magazine editors and top names from the world of fashion and beauty team-up with Boots for a dazzling celebration of all things stylish.

During September, the Boots-led collaboration launched a range of competitions, published interviews and carried out makeovers, while magazines packed their pages with insider secrets, top tips and advice.

Boots named me as one of the UK's 30 leading beauty experts, and I was featured in one of its web-based interviews on day 27.

I answered a number of nail-related questions and added some of my own. I also told everyone about my most embarrassing moments, well, some of them at least! I did this as I thought the interview was all me, me, me, so I wanted to add some humour and show that I am human.

LEARNING ON LINE

Unfortunately, of the three headshots of celebrities the magazine featured, only one is actually in my portfolio - Nigella, but mine actually shows her nails. 

Click here to contact Andrea Fulerton session nail technician.

GOING FOR

GOLD

Top names attended the Clarins Gold Salon awards.  Moira Paulusz reports

The prestigious Clarins Gold Salon of the Year Awards were held in the splendid grounds of historic Hampton Court Palace, just outside London, with the ceremony drawing some of the top names in the UK beauty industry.

Men are quietly making their mark on the industry, judging by this year's two winners. Raj Aggarwal OBE (LEFT), is owner of The Central Pharmacy, in Cardiff, Wales, and his business was named Best in the UK. Mark Chamberlain (BELOW RIGHT), owner of The Feel Good Centre, in Tenterden, Kent, won the Clarins Gold Salon of the Year Award 2007. Each received the Gold Salon trophy and a cheque for £3,500 and £3,000 respectively.

Making the presentations, Clarins UK MD Robin Vincent (BELOW LEFT) praised both businesses for the standard of practical treatment offered and the level of professional advice and care given to clients, along with the salons' ambience and business development. He went on to highlight the priorities for 2009.

Raj, who received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his pharmacy and charity work last year, said: "I am very proud to receive this award, which is a testament to the talent, hard work and dedication of the staff - and it's great to bring the trophy to Wales for the first time."

An equally delighted Mark commented: "I am thrilled to have won this award, not only for the recognition of the business, but also for the therapists whose professionalism and enthusiasm has meant we achieved Gold Salon status and can offer the highest standards to clients."

Clarins introduced the concept of Gold Salons 15 years ago, and there are now 79 nationwide. As part of any relationship with a beauty salon, the company provides beauty products and trains its staff to advise on Clarins treatments and homecare. The company recognises some salons give an exemplary service and, as such, awards them the highly-prized Gold Salon status. 

FACING

THE FUTURE

BY SASHA LILL

Mary Van has fashioned a successful career from her passion for the aesthetic beauty of colour and her eye for skin tone. It began in the early 80s in Dallas, Texas when, as a make-up artist at a day spa, she learned about skin's undertones, colour analysis and colour draping - knowledge which enabled her to create foundation colours identical to an individual's skin tone.

Her interest in mineral make-up grew when she teamed up with an aesthetician and was challenged with finding a make-up line that benefited skin following an aggressive clinical treatment. After promoting private label cosmetics and custom-blending products for many years, she branded her own line, Mineralogie, in the early 90s. It is available worldwide, including the US, Mexico, Columbia, Australia, Germany, and now the UK.

LETTING SKIN BREATHE

The products are formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, with no talcs, starches, dyes or perfumes, so they feel as good as they look - "light and pure, so skin can breathe and perspire through them", says Mary.

 READ ON...

FEEL THE

DIFFERENCE

BY MOIRA PAULUSZ

Dr Tuhin Dev is a dermatologist with a difference. For the past three years he has searched the world for innovative and effective ingredients that deliver anti-ageing results.

This, combined with his knowledge of skin and how it works and his training in mesotherapy, dermal injections, peels, lasers, and cosmetic preparations, has enabled him to come up with an impressive arsenal of formulations.

"I believe in function first, with no compromise on efficacy," says Tuhin, who has just launched the six-strong, anti-ageing Dr Tuhin Dev skincare collection. "And I believe what I have learned will give a youthful appearance back to skin."

For retail only, the capsule range consists of a day and a night cream, cleanser and toner, wipes, and, the collection's star, Essential Elixir Face Serum. All products are paraben-free.
Essential Elixir works to reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles. It is a clever cocktail of active ingredients including a revitalising complex of algae extract, frankincense, rosehip, evening primrose and omegas 3 and 6. Combined with Syn-ake -- a synthetic tripeptide similar to snake venom which blocks the neuromuscular contractions that cause facial tension - the result is said to be similar to Botox, making it a painless and safe alternative.

Core Protect Day Cream's function is to moisturise, nourish and protect skin from the effects of daily environmental assault, such as UV radiation, pollution and stress. Ingredients include black oak, watermelon and algae extracts, which have a powerful antioxidant effect.

Core Rejuve Night Cream contains seaweed extract, co-enzyme Q10, and vitamins A, C, and E, and is formulated to repair and rejuvenate skin, restore elasticity and tonicity, and help treat wrinkles.

Both creams contain Syn-ake in lower concentrations to the serum, as well as two anti-inflammatory ingredients so that clients with more sensitive skin can use the products without an adverse reaction.

Other products are Cleansing Balm (contains glycerin and sweet almond oil to help hydrate); Summer Mist toner, with neroli, aloe vera and chamomile and similarly formulated, refreshing Summer Mist Wipes.

PRICE: RRP from £9.25 (box of 20x4ml wipes) to £120 (serum, 30 x 1ml ampoules)